Former Ralph Lauren president and chief operations officer Roger Farah was named co-chief executive officer of Tory Burch, LLC. Farah will also join the company’s Board of Directors.
In the announcement made Thursday, Farah and chairman and co-CEO Tory Burch will lead an Executive Director Office (EDO), a newly formed management team to oversee the company and streamline its decision making process. The EDO also includes Brigitte Kleine and Robert Isen. Kleine will remain president of Tory Burch, LLC and will also join the Board of Directors. Isen will retain his role as a member of the Board and as president of business development and chief legal officer.
Farah, who spent 14 years at Ralph Lauren, brings his prior experience with large international brands to Tory Burch—a benefit for the company with global ambitions. He also served as Venator Group, Inc. chairman and CEO from 1994 to 2000, president and COO of Macy’s Inc., as well as chairman and CEO of Federated Merchandising Services and Rich’s Department Stores.
Burch said, “We have grown significantly over the last ten years and Roger is uniquely qualified to help us continue to build and scale the business. He is an exceptional person and one of the great executives in our industry.” She added, “This is an exciting moment for the company and Brigitte, Robert and I look forward to working with him.”
Farah stated, “The opportunity to join a growing, privately held, values-based company like Tory Burch was very appealing. I’ve admired Tory for a long time and look forward to partnering with her and her team to execute her long-term vision.”